Testing the winds

Pact will facilitate energy development

Among the many forms of renewable energy being studied and developed, wind is seen by many to be the least expensive and easiest to harness. In theory, at least.

But when you start proposing construction of giant wind turbines, whether in scenic rural settings or offshore along the ocean coasts or Great Lakes shoreline, you encounter strong objections. Concerns are raised over noise, the impact on property values, beautiful vistas being spoiled, harm to wildlife and other issues.

There also are significant technical and cost barriers to overcome if wind is going to become a viable source of electrical power.

Yet wind remains one of the most promising and plentiful sources of inexpensive, clean, renewable energy that could help lessen our nation's dependence on oil and other fossil fuels.

So the memorandum of understanding announced last week by the federal government and five states, including Michigan, is a good step forward in promoting development of offshore wind farms in the Great Lakes. Under the agreement, state and federal agencies will develop a blueprint for expediting regulatory review of proposed wind farms while continuing to adhere to environmental and safety standards.

According to Gov. Rick Snyder's office, the memorandum will not create any new regulatory requirements, but does call on regulatory agencies to clearly identify their current processes for reviewing offshore wind projects. The governor cited what he called cutting-edge research under way by Michigan universities and their partner organizations into wind energy, saying, "We want to lend our full support to these efforts."

We agree. By Great Lakes basin states joining together with the federal government, regulatory processes can be streamlined and bureaucratic red tape minimized. The memorandum of understanding does not lessen standards or skirt regulations, but it will make it easier to advance clean wind energy proposals.

Winds of the Great Lakes represent tremendous potential for powering millions of Michigan homes and businesses far into the future. But it is a resource that must be developed carefully in order to ensure safe and environmentally sound energy. We think last week's memorandum of understanding will help facilitate that process.

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Testing the winds

Among the many forms of renewable energy being studied and developed, wind is seen by many to be the least expensive and easiest to harness. In theory, at least.